Systems and methods for augmenting a dedicated payment instrument to leverage built-in access to real-time support from a central system are provided. Methods may be executed via computer-executable instructions that are stored in a non-transitory memory of the instrument and run on a microprocessor embedded in the instrument. Methods may include receiving a request from a user of the instrument, via one or more sensors, to initiate a support session. The sensors may include a camera, a microphone, and/or a tactile sensor. Methods may include transmitting the request to the central system via a wireless communication element, and receiving, from the central system, support session data. Methods may also include displaying, on a display screen, information based on the support session data.

A payment card (e.g., credit and/or debit card) or other device (e.g., mobile telephone) is provided with a magnetic emulator operable to communicate data to a magnetic stripe read-head. Gift cards may be inputted by a user into such a payment card or other device such that a user can combine gift cards. Similarly, a user be provided with a global payment account that can be utilized in multiple countries that have different standards for formatting data. A user may be provided with a default country (e.g., United States) but may have a way to select that the user is in a different country (e.g., Japan). Accordingly, a user may select that a Japanese data structure be transmitted through a magnetic stripe reader when the user is in Japan.

A radio frequency identification (RFID) switch tag is disclosed. This RFID switch tag includes a base component having an ultra-high frequency (UHF) booster, and a detachable component having at least one UHF RFID module and a high frequency (HF) RFID module. In some embodiments, the detachable component is positioned in close proximity to the base component in a first configuration of the RFID switch tag such that the at least one UHF RFID module is sufficiently coupled to the UHF booster in the base component to form an UHF RFID system having a desired performance. The detachable component can also be separated from the base component to obtain a second configuration of the RFID switch tag, and the HF RFID module remains functional within the detached detachable component so that the detachable component can be used as a standalone HF RFID tag.

A system and method is provided for generating a sensory indication on a transaction card, whereby a user is rewarded with a visual, audial, haptic, or olfactory experience. The method comprises executing a purchase transaction on the card, the transaction relating to an event, charging a power source on the card, receiving an input signal by the card, the signal indicating an output indication relevant to the event, and generating an output signal using power from the power source, based on the input signal. The card comprises a security component enabling a purchase relating to an event, a power source receiving charging energy at the time of the purchase, an input component receiving an input signal comprising information specifying a desired indication relevant to the event, an output component for generating the desired indication, one or more memories storing instructions and one or more processors executing the instructions to perform the method.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a device, system, methods and components related to a modular card. Example components of the modular card include a thin rectangular rear plate, a thin rectangular front plate overlying the rear plate, a first plurality of fasteners fixed to the thin rectangular front plate, a second plurality of fasteners fixed to the thin rectangular rear plate, the second plurality of fasteners being configured to be removably engaged with the first plurality of fasteners; a magnetic strip, and/or an integrated circuit. In operation a user may remove and/or replace various components to customize the modular card. Some customizations include altering the accounts to which the modular card relates. In some example, the modular card may include components which relate to different accounts.

Systems and methods for augmenting a dedicated payment instrument to leverage built-in access to real-time support from a central system are provided. Methods may be executed via computer-executable instructions that are stored in a non-transitory memory of the instrument and run on a microprocessor embedded in the instrument. Methods may include receiving a request from a user of the instrument, via one or more sensors, to initiate a support session. The sensors may include a camera, a microphone, and/or a tactile sensor. Methods may include transmitting the request to the central system via a wireless communication element, and receiving, from the central system, support session data. Methods may also include displaying, on a display screen, information based on the support session data.

Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for light-based authentication of a payment card. The payment card may include a randomized mix of materials. The materials may include transparent or translucent materials. A light source may shine light on a surface of the payment card. Light passing through the card may generate a light pattern that is unique to the payment card. The light pattern may be captured and compared to a reference light pattern to authenticate the payment card. In some embodiments, photodetectors may detect light patterns generated through interactions with the card materials.

A switchable radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag device comprising: a first RFID module positioned on a first plane; at least one un-tuned antenna section positioned on a second plane, wherein the first plane is positioned parallel to the second plane; a second RFID module positioned on the first plane; a third RFID module positioned on the first plane; and a sliding mechanism configured to move between a first position, a second position, and a third position; and wherein, in the first position, the first RFID module is coupled to the at least one un-tuned antenna section to form a tuned RFID tag, and the second and third RFID modules are detuned and/or inoperable; and in the second position, the second RFID module is coupled to the at least one un-tuned antenna section to form a tuned RFID tag, and the first RFID module and third RFID module are detuned and/or inoperable; and in the third position, the third RFID module is coupled to the at least one un-tuned antenna section to form a tuned RFID tag, and the first and second RFID modules are detuned and/or inoperable.

Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for light-based authentication of a payment card. The payment card may include a randomized mix of materials. The materials may include transparent or translucent materials. A light source may shine light on a surface of the payment card. Light passing through the card may generate a light pattern that is unique to the payment card. The light pattern may be captured and compared to a reference light pattern to authenticate the payment card. In some embodiments, photodetectors may detect light patterns generated through interactions with the card materials.

Wait times at ATMs may undermine the utility of these self-service machines. ATMs are configured to provide faster self-service kiosks that allow users to quickly perform common financial transactions. However, it has been increasing common for users to have to wait on a line to access an ATM. Apparatus and methods are provided for a smart card that stages transactions by capturing the amount, pin and other necessary information on the smart card itself, before the user begins interacting with the ATM. Information captured by the smart card may be transferred to ATM when the smart card is inserted into ATM. The user does not provide the ATM with any additional information after inserted the smart card into the ATM, thereby improving the transaction processing efficiency of the ATM and enhancing user satisfaction.